Assessing Middle Grades Reading Programs
by Jack Humphrey
It is not easy to build a strong middle grades reading program. It is not easy to provide programs for struggling readers to help ensure that they have the reading skills needed to graduate from high school. Nor is it easy to provide programs for strong readers that will prepare them for college work. But Indiana schools should and can put into place the practices and programs that will ensure that reading is a vital and productive part of the lives of young adolescents.
The Middle Grades Reading Assessment was distributed to all Indiana middle grades schools several years ago. The Middle Grades Reading Assessment is available at no cost for Indiana Schools. Copies may be requested from jh25@evanville.edu.
Place a check mark by the following that are occurring in your school. If you checked most of them, you do not need to use the Middle Grades Reading Assessment.
____Most students read at least 25 books each year from the school library and other sources.
____All students have access to and have the opportunity to read and vote for their favorite Young Hoosier Book Award book.
____Reading is encouraged with posters and displays in halls, rooms, and library equal to that of elementary schools previously attended by students.
____All students who are potential high school dropouts are provided Title I reading classes or special reading classes.
____Most of the students in the school are enrolled in reading courses 0480-06, 0480-07, or 0480-08.
____Reading teachers have access to a wide range of reading materials suitable for a wide range of reading abilities.
____A licensed librarian is available full-time to help engage students with books and other print materials.
____The school employs reading teachers with reading endorsements or reading specialist licenses.
____Most of the students have public library cards.
____A strong Newspaper in Education program involves all students.
____The school knows about and supports the work of community youth-serving agencies that offer reading support to students.
____Families are provided with lists of recommended books for summer and other independent reading experiences on the school Web site and/or with printed copies.
____Teachers are good reading role models who read and discuss books they have read with students and teachers.